The Beriev MBR-2 was a Soviet multi-purpose (including reconnaissance) flying boat which entered service with the Soviet Navy in 1935. Out of 1,365 built, 9 were used by foreign countries including Finland and North Korea. In Soviet Union it sometimes carried the nickname of "Kорова" (cow) and "Амбар" (barn). Design The MBR-2 was designed by Georgy Mikhailovich Beriev and first flew in 1931, powered by an imported 373 kW (500 hp) BMW VI.Z engine. Production models, which arrived in 1934, used a licence-built version of this engine, the Mikulin M-17 of 508 kW (680 hp), and could be fitted with a fixed wheel or ski undercarriage. Beriev also designed a commercial airliner derivation, the MP-1, which entered airline service in 1934, and a freighter version, which followed in 1936. In 1935, an improved version was developed, the MBR-2bis, powered by the Mikulin AM-34N engine, and fitted with an enclosed cockpit, dorsal gun-turret and enlarged vertical tail. In this configuration, the machine remained in production until 1941. As with the MBR-2, the bis spawned a commercial derivative and the MP-1bis entered service in 1937. Variants MBR-2M-17 : Short-range maritime reconnaissance, bombing flying-boat, powered by a 508 kW (680 hp) Mikulin M-17B piston engine. MBR-2AM-34 or MBR-2bis : Improved version, powered by a Mikulin AM-34N engine. MBR-2M-103 : One MBR-2AM-34 was fitted with the more powerful M-103 engine. One prototype only. MP-1 : Civil version of the MBR-2M-17 flying-boat. It could carry six passengers in an enclosed cabin. MP-1bis : Civil version of the MBR-2AM-34 flying-boat. MP-1T : Freight transport conversion of MBR-2. Operators The Finnish Air Force operated five captured aircraft from 1941. Aeroflot Soviet Naval Aviation North Korean Air Force Specifications (MBR-2bis) See also References Bibliography External links Beriev MBR-2 at aeroflight.co.uk Century of Flight Beriev MBR-2, TsKB-25 (project and prototype) at Russian Aviation Museum MBR-2 series with M-17 engine at Russian Aviation Museum Beriev MP-1, MP-1bis, MP-1T (civilian variant) at Russian Aviation Museum MBR-2 High-wing aircraft Single-engined pusher aircraft Flying boats 1930s Soviet military reconnaissance aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1931 World War II aircraft of Finland